Lightweight portable changing garment

ABSTRACT

A changing garment and method of using same wherein the garment allows a user to change quick, while in public without exposing the user&#39;s body to observers and/or passersby. Additionally, a method for folding and packaging the changing garment into a convenient, compact package for transport and storage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/944,945 filed on Feb. 26, 2014, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains generally to changing garments. Moreparticularly, the present invention pertains to a garment which allows auser to change clothes quickly therein, while in public, withoutexposing the user to observers and/or passersby.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

People with busy lives often find themselves leaving one activity andheading straight to the next activity. Often times, these variousactivities require different types of clothing in order to participate.Alternatively, a person may simply wish to change between activities forpersonal comfort, such as in order to discard soiled or sweaty clothing.Since not all activities provide proper changing facilities, individualsmay find themselves changing in an automobile, behind friends, or evenout in the open. Even when facilities are provided, they are typicallyhigh traffic restrooms with toilet stalls not large enough for even themost petite adult to change comfortably.

Garments for changing attire in public are known in the art; howevernone provide the physical coverage, versatility and ease of use as thepresent invention.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,743 issued to Mick describes a changing robe withroom for a person to change attire in public places without loss ofmodesty. The robe includes a drawstring that encompasses the back, sidesand only a fraction of the front that may be drawn tight to convert therobe from a tent-like garment into a fashionable each toga.Additionally, the hem in the back falls below the knee of the wearerwhile the hem in the front falls above the knee.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,083 issued to Arnold describes a robe-like garmentfor use in changing clothes that is large and loose-fitting on thewearer, with a hood, a large neck opening and a pair of shortenlarged-diameter sleeves. The front of the robe includes a largecentral zippered pocket for retrieval of clothes to be worn and also forplacement of discarded clothes upon changing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,102 issued to Benjamin describes a garment which maybe used as a robe or towel. The garment is a rectangular piece of towelmaterial with a narrow slit extending in the direction of the lengthapproximately midway across the width of the garment, providing anopening for the head of the wearer when the garment is worn as a robe.Additionally, fasteners may be used to releasably connect the sides ofthe garment when used as a robe.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2009/0249527 by Hunte discloses acombination hooded changing garment and carry bag, providing ample roomfor a person to change attire in public without loss of modesty. Thegarment has a full length center-front opening with separable closurefasteners, wrist area separable fasteners to give sleeves effect, a widescoop-necked area for ease of overhead access when removing or puttingon items underneath, and mesh netting on the hood which providesventilation and allows the wearer to see out through the mesh whilereducing the ability from the outside to see the person wearing thegarment. Additionally, the hooded cover converts to a storage bag forthe garment.

U.S. Patent Publication No. 2011/0305866 by Greenbrae discloses auniversal surfing towel which can function as: 1) an ordinary beachtowel, 2) used for changing; or 3) a protective cover for a surf board.One of two fastening systems built into the towel functions as awrapping aid to effectively hold the towel to the wearer's body,providing privacy and ease of changing in and out of a wetsuit.

In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention toprovide the desired features described herein as well as additionaladvantages of providing privacy for an individual to change clothescomfortably and conveniently in public.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a garment to assist with changing one's clothesin public. An individual who wishes to change clothes in the absence ofproper changing facilities may quickly change clothes using the garmentas described herein. The garment is essentially in the shape of a halterdress. The individual steps into the garment such that the garmentcovers the clothing presently worn by the individual on the lower halfof the body. Using a hook and handle, the individual threads thedrawstring noose underneath the clothes covering the upper half of thebody, e.g. t-shirt, tank top or sports bra and pulls the drawstringnoose up and over their head. Once the drawstring noose is over theindividual's head, the drawstring noose is pulled tight using a cordlock resulting in the top of the garment being drawn up around the bodyand under the clothes covering the upper half of the body. When theindividual is satisfied the top of the garment is secured sufficiently,the individual may begin to undress in public without exposingthemselves to observers and/or passersby.

In order to undress, the individual reaches one hand into a side accessopening located on each side of the lower half of the garment. Theindividual may then easily use both hands to remove the clothes coveringthe lower half of the body without exposing any part of the lower body.The clothes covering the upper half of the body may simply be removedsince the garment is secured in place to prevent exposure of any part ofthe upper body aside from the individual's arms and shoulders. Cleanand/or new clothing may be replaced just as easily. Clothes for thelower half of the body may be stepped into underneath the lower half ofthe garment and pulled up to the waist using the side access openings asdescribed. Undergarments such as bras and/or tank tops may be put ondirectly over the halter top of the garment. Once the individual issufficiently dressed, the individual releases the cord lock around theneck, loosens the drawstring noose and removes them from the neck, anduses the hook and handle to pull the top of the garment from underneaththe clean and/or new clothes. Once the top of the garment is removed,the individual may finally push the garment down to their feet and stepout of it.

Although the present embodiment is described in the context of changingin public, the garment may have many applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself,both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood fromthe accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdescription, in which similar reference characters refer to similarparts, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of the changing garment in afirst embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of the changing garment shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of the changing garment asshown in FIG. 1 in an alternative embodiment.

FIG. 4 is close-up view of the hook and handle feature of the changinggarment.

FIG. 5 is a close-up view of the cord-lock feature on the drawstringnoose of the changing garment.

FIG. 6 is a close-up view of a further alternative embodiment of thechanging garment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates the steps of a method for folding the changinggarment of FIG. 1 into a compact package.

FIG. 8 illustrates the folding garment as a compact package followingthe method of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the compact packageshown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the changing garment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a close-up view of the side access opening as seenfrom the outside of the changing garment.

FIG. 12 illustrates a close-up cross-section view of the side accessopening and view blocker of the changing garment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The changing garment 10 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Thechanging garment 10 is comprised of a lower portion 11 and an upperportion 12. The lower portion 11 is essentially a fabric column with twoside access openings 14 incorporated into the fabric at the verticalseam in lower portion 11. One side access opening 14R is located on theright hand side of the fabric column and the other side access opening14L is located on the left hand side of the fabric column. Although notshown in the drawings, it is further contemplated that the side accessopenings 14 are comprised further of a “view blocker” fabric panelattached to the interior of the garment which prevents the users legsfrom being visible through the side access openings 14 during use of thechanging garment 10. The upper portion 12 is further comprised of frontfabric panel 18, drawstring noose 13 with cord lock 16 and hook andhandle 17 and an elastic garter 15 located along the rear top of thefabric column comprising the lower portion 11.

A rear perspective view of the changing garment 10 is shown in FIG. 2.The lower portion 11 is shown including the left side access opening14L. The upper portion 12 is shown including the front fabric panel 18,a drawstring noose 13 with a cord lock 16 and a hook and handle 17, inaddition to the elastic garter 15 and a front panel lining 21. The frontpanel lining 21 is contemplated to serve at least two functions: 1)providing a modesty panel for the front fabric panel 18 while thechanging garment 10 is worn; and 2) alternatively providing a sleeve forpacking the folded lower portion 11 into during storage.

With reference to FIG. 3, shown is an alternative embodiment of thechanging garment 10. The lower portion 11 is shown including the leftside access opening 14L. The upper portion 12 is shown including thefront fabric panel 18, a drawstring noose 13 with a cord lock 16 and ahook and handle 17, in addition to the elastic garter 15 and a frontpanel lining 21. In an alternative embodiment, the hook and handle 17may be attached to the elastic garter 15 in order to better secure thedrawstring noose 13 during use of the changing garment 10 and preventthe hook and handle 17 from flopping around during extended wearing ofthe changing garment 10. Although not visible in the drawings, it isfurther contemplated that the hook and handle 17 may attach to the backof the garment by way of a fabric loop.

With reference to FIG. 4, shown is a close-up view of the hook andhandle 17. The hook and handle 17 is comprised of a washer- anddryer-safe material further comprising a circular opening 42 at a firstend and a hook 44 as a second end. In a first embodiment, the hook andhandle 17 may be used to guide the drawstring noose 13 underneathclothing during use of the changing garment 10. In an alternativeembodiment, the hook and handle 17 may be used to secure the changinggarment 10 during packing and storage. In a preferred embodiment thehook and handle 17 is approximately 4 inches in length. It is furthercontemplated that the hook and handle 17 may be any suitable dimensionthat is compatible with the intended use.

With reference to FIG. 5, shown is a close-up view of the cord-lock 16.The cord-lock 16 is a standard press to release cord-lock as known inthe prior art. The cord-lock 16 is configured to allow for tighteningand loosing of the drawstring noose 13. Alternatively, the cord-lock 16may be used to cinch and secure the folded package of the changinggarment 10 for storage.

With reference to FIG. 6, shown is an alternative embodiment of thechanging garment 10 wherein the side access openings 14 may be used toshorten the length of the changing garment 10 by tucking the hem of thelower portion 11 through the side access openings 14 to allow the wearerto walk easily on sand or in water if desired. It is furthercontemplated that the “view blocker” fabric panel attached to theinterior of the garment at the side access openings assists withshortening of the changing garment by holding the tucked hem of thegarment securely in place within the side access openings even while theindividual walks and/or moves freely while wearing the garment.

With reference to FIG. 7, shown are the steps of a method for foldingand packaging the changing garment 10 into a convenient compact portablepackage for storage, the method comprising the following steps:

a) elongating the changing garment 10 to its full length;

b) rolling the hem of the lower portion 11 in the direction of the upperportion 12 and elastic garter 15;

c) continuing to roll the lower portion 11 until only the upper portion12 remains unrolled;

d) opening the lower hem of the front panel lining 21 to create a pocket71;

e) tucking the rolled lower portion 11 into the pocket 71 and pullingthe front panel lining 21 around the rolled lower portion 11;

f) using the drawstring noose 13 to wrap the entire package and cinchingsaid package secure with the cord lock 16; and

g) attaching the hook end of the hook and handle 17 to the drawstringnoose 13 to create a handle on the packaged garment.

With reference to FIG. 8, shown is an alternative embodiment of thepackaged garment wherein the garment is transported similar to a purse.

With reference to FIG. 9, shown is a further alternative embodiment ofthe packaged garment wherein the garment is worn like a backpack.

With reference to FIG. 10, shown in a further alternative embodiment ofthe present invention wherein the changing garment may be used as anautomobile seat cover in the event the user does not have time, orsimply does not wish to change out of their soiled clothing. Thedrawstring noose fits over an automobile headrest and the cord-lock maybe used to tighten the drawstring noose and secure the top of thechanging garment to the automobile seat. It is further contemplated thatthe hook and handle may be used to secure the noose to a car seat pocketor in the alternative to secure the noose onto itself.

With reference to FIG. 11, shown is a close-up view of the side accessopening as seen from the outside of the changing garment. FIG. 11A showsa single side access opening which located on each side of the changinggarment. FIG. 1 lB shows a single side access opening wherein thechanging garment is transparent in order to illustrate the placement ofthe view blocker in relation to the side access opening. In oneembodiment the stitching attaching the view blocker to the changinggarment may be visible on the outside of the changing garment. Inanother embodiment the stitching attaching the view blocker to thechanging garment may not be visible on the outside of the changinggarment.

With reference to FIG. 12, shown is a close-up cross-section view of theside access opening and view blocker. FIG. 12A shows the function of theview blocker when the side access opening is in use. During use, a handis slipped through the side access opening and around the view blockerflaps to access the inside of the changing garment. FIG. 12B shows theposition of the view blocker in relation to the side access opening whenthe side access opening is not in use.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a lightweight, portablechanging garment which allows a user to change clothes quickly therein,while in public, without exposing the user to observers and/orpassersby. In a preferred embodiment, the changing garment may be usedby any individual wishing to change clothes quickly without exposing theuser to observers and/or passersby. In yet a further embodiment, thechanging garment may be used outdoors, in public restrooms, or in publiclocker rooms by any individual preferring privacy while being requiredto change clothes in a public or semi-public location. It iscontemplated that the changing garment may be made from any fabric thatis lightweight, breathable and easy to care for, i.e. cotton. It isfurther contemplated that the fabric may be sweat resistant, i.e. linenor any other natural fiber which is conventionally known as breathable.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a lightweight,portable changing garment comprised of a lower portion and an upperportion, the lower portion including two side access openingsincorporated into the fabric at the vertical seam in lower portion andthe upper portion including a front fabric panel, a drawstring noosewith a cord lock and a hook and handle and an elastic garter locatedalong the rear top of the fabric column comprising the lower portion. Ina preferred embodiment, one side access opening is located on the righthand side of the lower portion and the other side access opening islocated on the left hand side of the lower portion. In a most preferredembodiment, the side access openings are further comprised of a “viewblocker” fabric panel attached to the interior of the garment whichprevents the user's legs from being visible through the side accessopenings during use of the changing garment. It is further contemplatedthat the side access opening may be incorporated into the fabric of thelower portion at any location on the side of the lower portion thataccomplishes the goals of providing the user access to their clothingwithout exposing any part of the user's lower body to observers orpassersby.

In still another embodiment, the upper portion of the changing garmentis further comprised of a front panel lining positioned on the inside ofthe front fabric panel. In a first embodiment the front panel lining mayprovide a modesty panel to prevent inadvertent nipple exposure duringthe changing process or in the case when the garment is worn for anextended period in the absence of undergarments. In an alternativeembodiment, the front panel lining provides an opening and pocket fortucking the rolled garment into during packaging and storage.

In another embodiment, the upper portion of the changing garment isfurther comprised of a drawstring noose with a cord-lock. In a firstembodiment the drawstring noose may be used to secure the changinggarment around the neck of a user while the cord-lock may be used totighten and/or loosen the noose. In an alternative embodiment, thedrawstring noose may be used to secure the packaged garment for storageand the cord-lock may be used to tighten and/or loosen the noose aroundthe packaged garment.

In yet another embodiment, the drawstring noose further includes aspecial hook and handle. In a preferred embodiment, the hook and handleis secured to the drawstring noose though an opening in the first endand further includes a hook in the second end. In a most preferredembodiment, the hook and handle is used by the user as a guide forinserting and directing the upper portion of the changing garmentunderneath the user's clothes and the drawstring noose over the user'shead. Following the successful changing of clothes, the user may againuse the hook and handle as a guide to remove the drawstring noose fromunderneath the user's new and/or clean clothes. In a further embodiment,the hook and handle may be used during packaging of the garment tosecure the drawstring noose to the garment to create a handle. In apreferred embodiment, the changing garment may be carried like a pursein the packaged configuration. In a further embodiment, the changinggarment may be worn like a backpack in the packaged configuration.

In still another embodiment, the changing garment may be worn in theplace of traditional clothing following swimming, running or anyathletic activity. In a further embodiment, the hem of the lower portionmay be tucked into the two side access openings to shorten the length ofthe lower portion to allow for greater movement during extended wear ofthe changing garment. In a preferred embodiment, the “view blocker”fabric panel attached to the interior of the garment at the side accessopenings assists with shortening of the changing garment by holding thetucked hem of the garment securely in place within the side accessopenings even while the individual walks and/or moves freely whilewearing the garment.

In yet another embodiment, provided is a method for changing clothes inpublic using the changing garment of the present invention, the methodcomprising:

a) stepping into the lower portion of the changing garment;

b) pulling the elastic garter up one's body to waist level;

c) inserting the hook and handle under the hem of one's shirt, tank topor sports bra;

d) pulling the hook and handle up and underneath the front of saidshirt, tank top or sports bra;

e) using the hook and handle to pull the drawstring noose up and overone's head;

f) tightening the drawstring noose using the cord lock such that theelastic garter is pulled up the user's back to prevent exposure;

g) removing one's lower clothing by inserting one hand into each of theside access openings and reaching up to one's waist to pull down one'slower clothing;

h) removing one's upper clothing which is now on top of the upperportion of the changing garment;

i) replacing one's upper clothing with new and/or clean clothingdirectly over the upper portion of the changing garment;

j) replacing one's lower clothing by stepping into said clothing andinserting one hand into each of the side access openings in order topull said clothing up to one's waist underneath the lower portion of thechanging garment;

k) loosening the cord-lock and removing the drawstring noose from aroundthe neck;

l) using the hook and handle to guide the drawstring noose fromunderneath the new and/or clean upper clothing; and

m) pushing the lower portion of the changing garment down one's body tothe ground and stepping out of said garment.

In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a method forfolding and packaging the changing garment into a convenient compactportable package for storage, the method comprising the following steps:

a) elongating the changing garment to its full length;

b) rolling the hem of the lower portion in the direction of the upperportion and elastic garter;

c) continuing to roll the lower portion until only the upper portionremains unrolled;

d) opening the lower hem of the front panel lining to create a pocket;

e) tucking the rolled lower portion into the pocket and pulling thefront panel lining around the rolled lower portion;

f) using the drawstring noose to wrap the entire package and cinchingsaid package secure with the cord lock; and

g) attaching the hook end of the hook and handle to the drawstring nooseto create a handle on the packaged garment or alternatively strapssimilar to a backpack.

It will be appreciated that details of the foregoing embodiments, givenfor purposes of illustration, are not to be construed as limiting thescope of the invention. Although several embodiments of this inventionhave been described in detail above, those skilled in the art willreadily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention, which isfurther defined in the converted utility application and appendedclaims. Further, it is recognized that many embodiments may be conceivedthat do not achieve all the advantages of some embodiments, particularlypreferred embodiments, yet the absence of a particular advantage shallnot be construed to necessarily mean that such an embodiment is outsidethe scope of the present invention.

I claim:
 1. A changing garment for providing modesty for a using, thegarment comprising: a) a lower portion in the shape of a fabric column;and b) an upper portion in the shape of a halter top, wherein the lowerportion and the upper portion are joined by a seam such that the garmentis a single article.
 2. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein thelower portion further includes two side access opening incorporated intothe fabric at the vertical seam on each side of the lower portion. 3.The changing garment of claim 2, wherein the side access openingsfurther include a fabric panel on the interior of the lower portion inorder to prevent viewing of a user's body during use.
 4. The changinggarment of claim 1, wherein the lower portion further includes anelastic garter positions at the rear top of the fabric comprising thelower portion.
 5. The changing garment of claim 1, wherein the upperportion further includes a front fabric panel for modesty when thechanging garment is worn without undergarments.
 6. The changing garmentof claim 1, wherein the upper portion is further comprised of: a) adrawstring noose; b) a cord lock; and c) a hook and handle.
 7. Thechanging garment of claim 6, wherein the cord lock securely tightens orloosens the drawstring noose around the user's neck during use.
 8. Thechanging garment of claim 6, wherein the hook and handle may optionallybe secured to the elastic garter to maintain the position of the back ofthe lower portion on the user's back.
 9. The changing garment of claim1, wherein the entire garment is washer and dryer safe.
 10. The changinggarment of claim 1, wherein the garment folds into a compact portablepackage for transport and storage.
 11. A method for folding andpackaging the changing garment into a convenient compact portablepackage for storage, the method comprising the following steps: a)elongating the changing garment to its full length; b) rolling the hemof the lower portion in the direction of the upper portion and elasticgarter; c) continuing to roll the lower portion until only the upperportion remains unrolled; d) opening the lower hem of the front panellining to create a pocket; e) tucking the rolled lower portion into thepocket and pulling the front panel lining around the rolled lowerportion; f) using the drawstring noose to wrap the entire package andcinching said package secure with the cord lock; and g) attaching thehook end of the hook and handle 17 to the drawstring noose to create ahandle on the packaged garment.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein thepackaged garment may be transported as a purse.
 13. The method of claim11, wherein the packaged garment may be transported as a backpack.
 14. Amethod for changing clothes using the changing garment, the methodcomprising: a) stepping into the lower portion of the changing garment;b) pulling the elastic garter up one's body to waist level; c) insertingthe hook and handle under the hem of one's shirt, tank top or sportsbra; d) pulling the hook and handle up and underneath the front of saidshirt, tank top or sports bra; e) using the hook and handle to pull thedrawstring noose up and over one's head; f) tightening the drawstringnoose using the cord lock such that the elastic garter is pulled up theuser's back to prevent exposure; g) removing one's lower clothing byinserting one hand into each of the side access openings and reaching upto one's waist to pull down one's lower clothing; h) removing one'supper clothing which is now on top of the upper portion of the changinggarment; i) replacing one's upper clothing with new and/or cleanclothing directly over the upper portion of the changing garment; j)replacing one's lower clothing by stepping into said clothing andinserting one hand into each of the side access openings in order topull said clothing up to one's waist underneath the lower portion of thechanging garment; k) loosening the cord-lock and removing the drawstringnoose from around the neck; l) using the hook and handle to guide thedrawstring noose from underneath the new and/or clean upper clothing;and m) pushing the lower portion of the changing garment down one's bodyto the ground and stepping out of said garment.
 15. The method of claim14, wherein the garment provides privacy and prevents exposure of theuser's body during the changing process